People have different reasons for creating business plans.

Some need a business plan to help with raising finance. Others use a business planning exercise as a way of refocusing or bringing clarity to their business. Some want to re-examine their business and, potentially, to set a new strategic direction.

What you need from business planning

Discussions and planning sessions with you, your key management team, your shareholders and your key customers (as appropriate)

• Market research as needed to support the strategies developed in the plan.
• Specific recommendations and action points to guide the implementation of the plan.
• A financial model allowing you to examine the impact of the management choices you will make in running the business
• A well written and presented report aimed at you, your shareholders, your financiers, or your potential business partners (as appropriate)
• A presentation of the plan to one or more audiences (if requested)